The Kitchen Bench
Popcorn Makers in 2027
A popcorn maker pops corn with hot air, oil or a stirring plate. Air poppers are the healthiest and simplest; oil poppers taste more like cinema popcorn; stirring poppers handle larger batches.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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Top picks
The reviewed popcorn makers in this category. Each review states what is verified and what to check on the manufacturer sheet before buying.
Popcorn Makers
Cuisinart Easypop
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Poplite
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
West Bend Stir Crazy
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper DAPP150V2
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper 3 Quart
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Great Northern Popcorn Countertop Kettle Popcorn Machine 8 oz
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Nostalgia Retro Hot Air Popcorn Popper RHP310
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Orville Redenbacher Stirring Popper 05204
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Stirring Popper 05204
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop Stovetop Popper 25008
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Popcorn Makers
West Bend Air Crazy Hot Air Popper 82418
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Head-to-head comparisons
Every difference page in this category — popcorn makers head to head, so you can compare two products directly before choosing.
Inside the popcorn maker
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
How to choose
Air vs. oil vs. stirring
Air is healthiest and simplest but drier. Oil tastes richer. Stirring plates make big batches evenly.
Batch size
Match the popper to your household. A small popper means multiple batches for a family movie night.
Kernel waste
Some poppers leave many unpopped kernels; others pop nearly all. A good popper wastes little.
Cleaning
Air poppers wipe clean; oil poppers need washing. A popper with butter melting and washing hassles gets used less.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
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Best Popcorn Makers →Browse all reviews
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The winner is insideGuides and fixes
In this category
The full popcorn makers cluster — the hub, the ranked best list, the buying guide, the problems-and-fixes article, and the use-case picks for this category.
Frequently asked questions
Is air-popped popcorn healthy?
Yes — it is a whole grain, low in calories before butter and salt. Toppings decide the rest.
Why do some kernels not pop?
Age and dryness. Fresh kernels in an airtight container pop far better.
Can I add butter while popping?
In oil and stirring poppers, yes. In air poppers, melt butter separately and drizzle after.